CBS In Planning Stages For New Late-Night Era

BEVERLY HILLS (AP) – CBS is taking a wide-open approach to replacing Craig Ferguson in late-night, including the possibility of a host from politics, CBS Entertainment chief Nina Tassler said Thursday.

As for the show’s format under Colbert, he has said he wants an interview approach, Tassler said. But other details – such as whether there will be a band – are up in the air.

Colbert has already said he will leave his “Colbert Report” character, a blowhard conservative, behind. v When he debuts on “Late Show” as himself, he’ll be joining NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel as the new late-night vanguard following the retirement of veterans Letterman and Jay Leno, who left NBC’s “Tonight” in February.